Combat takes place by pressing the X or square button; (honestly I haven’t found any true distinct difference between the two buttons.) which strike the Rock’s oncoming foes with instant dial-a-combos. (Also an added bonus, a two handed William Shatner uppercut.) And of course any game with the Rock wouldn’t be complete if he couldn’t body slam some people from time to time. The Rock can check his enemies into the smack down hotel in a various different ways. Ranging from (but not limited to) punching, kicking, shoulder charging, and unleashing his unparalleled sword techniques.

SK’s controls are quite a bit choppy and jumpy; the game is so far from responsive it should be a crime. (If they showed this in court in Greece, games would still be illegal.) Not to mention the combat animations make you want to laugh (or cry). I also thought the hit detection was on par with other great classics, such as, Mortal Kombat (GBA), and Shaq-Fu (Genesis).

Well my last hope was that the story could save this game from being a complete loss, but unfortunately that didn’t happen. The story begins with the Scorpion King having to prove his worth to his clan, a society of assassins. Mathayus (the Rock) then has to set off through an obstacle course testing your knowledge of the game’s controls (otherwise known as a tutorial.). After defeating your fellow clansmen in several different manners, (one way is to throw pots at some poor chap) your king (I didn’t know clans had kings) bestows a dangerous and important mission upon you. The Dark lord Magus is attempting to unleash the undead upon the earth and you, the Rock, must stop him!

The sad reality is that game developer, Point of View, failed to capture the true essence of what many people already considered to be a “B” movie. Even true diehard Rock fans will have a hard time defending this one. I would avoid this game at all cost, (and I wish I did) unless there is someone you really don’t like, and then you can give it to them for Christmas.